“Honestly, it was great spending time with you both.” Alison said as she took her stuff, preparing to leave.“You're leaving already?” Megan asked, unable to conceal the shock in her eyes. “I thought you came for a sleepover?”Alison chuckled and shook her head. “Of course not aunt… I've still got a couple of things to put together.”“Tomorrow is Saturday, Alison, you can do whatever you like in the course of the weekend.” Megan said, trying to persuade her. “Just sleep over…besides it's late already.” “I didn't plan to sleepover aunt, maybe some other time” Alison said with a small smile, but Megan still seemed slightly reluctant.“But it's late already, I mean …what if something bad happens?” She asked again and Carlos shook his head. “What if something good happens?”"I'll be fine, Aunt Megan," Alison reassured her. "I'll drive carefully, and I'll be home before you know it, I promise I'd call you.”Megan frowned, her brow furrowed with concern. "But it's already 11: 50 pm, Alison
RATEDThe room was dimly lit, the only sound was the soft hum of the air conditioner. The Unknown Woman, a woman of immense power and influence, sat on her plush couch, sipping a drink and smirking to herself. She wasn't someone to back out when her desires weren't fulfilled and as a woman who always got what she wanted, she knew she was going to get everything back no matter the cost.Just as she was starting to relax, there was a knock at the door. “Come in,” she muttered coldly, and the door creaked open, revealing her personal thug, Spider.“Good Evening, my lady,” he winked, and walked in, his eyes scanning the room before returning back to her."What is it, Spider?" she asked, her voice husky and confident. “Did you guys succeed in capturing her?”He hesitated, his eyes darting around the room before he leaned in closer to her."We didn't succeed,” he whispered. “Mr. Rodrigo seems to have his eyes closely on her, he suddenly intervened, sending a convoy to come get her.”The U
Alison kept staring out through the window suspiciously, and the moment she sighted Travis's mansion at a distance, she exhaled in relief.“You were really scared ma'am, you still look scared.” The guard driving teased, staring at her through the rearview mirror. “You're safe now.”Alison smiled shortly and nodded. She didn't want to utter any words for fear that she was really going to break down. She rested her head in her palms and shut her eyes, thinking of what might have happened if the people trailing her had succeeded in getting her.“And we're here,” the man muttered and pulled over at the front of the house.“Thank you so much,” Alison said and picked her bag before stepping out of the car. She met Travis, standing by the door, his arms crossed over his chest, a look of concern etched on his face.As soon as he saw her, he pushed off from the door and walked towards her. “Ally, are you okay?” Alison's eyes welled up with tears as she ran into his arms, sobbing uncontrollab
Rachel suddenly felt some form of discomfort in her sleep, so she stirred and slowly her eyes snapped open.She was shocked to see Bruno still awake and sitting in bed. Her eyes darted to the wall clock and she gasped realizing it was already past midnight."Babe, what's wrong?" Rachel asked, concern etched on her face as she sat up in bed. “You're not asleep yet, when did you even get back?”"Nothing. Just mind your own business, okay?" Bruno snapped. “I need the peace and quiet to think about a whole lot.”Rachel’s expression didn't change. Instead, she moved closer to Bruno and rested her head on his shoulder, her eyes locked on his. "I care about you, Bruno, I really do. And I wish you'd open up to me about what's bothering you.”Bruno sighed, his shoulders sagging, and his defenses breaking. "It's just...work stuff," he muttered. “Nothing to be bothered about, I'll be alright.”Rachel waited, her eyes never leaving his. "What's going on with work?" she pressed. “For you to be s
Alison yawned sleepily, as her eyes snapped open. She shut them back almost immediately, and opened them slowly again, trying to get used to the brightness in the room.She stirred and felt an obstacle behind her. Alarmed, she turned around and was shocked to see Travis sleeping peacefully behind her.Unconsciously, a smile broke out of her face as she admired his attractive facial features. She began trailing his full and black eyebrows."Good morning," she whispered, her eyes fixed on Travis's sleeping face.Travis stirred, his eyes opening slowly. "Good morning, damsel," he replied, his voice husky.Alison smiled, her eyes tracing the contours of his face. "I was just admiring the view," she said. Travis chuckled, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "I'm glad you like what you see," he said. “I'm certain a lot of effort was put into creating this perfect masterpiece beside you.”As they talked, Alison realized that she was still tracing Travis's eyebrows with her finger. She pulled
Alison's nerves were on edge as she stood in the kitchen, holding onto Travis's hands.She did not, in her wildest imagination, think that Mrs. Rodrigo would walk into such scene, now what?“Good Morning, ma'am.” She greeted and while waiting for Travis's mother to acknowledge her, her nervousness heightened. Travis, oblivious to the tension, smiled and greeted his mother warmly."Hey, Mom! What brings you here today?"Mrs. Rodrigo's gaze darted between Travis and Alison, her expression unreadable. Without responding to Alison’s greeting, she turned and walked away, leaving Alison feeling uneasy and Travis looking concerned."Mom, wait up!" Travis called out, following after her.Alison hesitated for a moment, then decided to eavesdrop on the conversation between mother and son. She crept closer to the passage, trying not to be seen."Mother, what's going on?" Travis asked, his voice firm but respectful. "Why are you being so rude to Alison, and what's the disgusted look you have on
What other way should a married woman, fighting for her marriage wake up, other than in her husband’s arms, safe and sound…Rachel laid curled in Bruno's arms as they conversed, notwithstanding the fact that it was barely 7 am in the morning.“When we finally start having kids, I want daughters as gorgeous and caring as you are.” Bruno said patting her hair fondly as they lay in bed, her soft breathing, a soothing soundtrack to his morning.“And if they would be sons, I want boys, who would be as handsome as you.” Rachel whispered, and stared in his eyes, he was also staring into her eyes with so much affection.Rachel looked away from his eyes shyly, using her hands to knot the hemp of his shirt as she said. “I want three kids," she paused, her breath filling the quiet room only disturbed by the soft sounds of their breaths and the air conditioner. "Two boys and a girl."Bruno chuckled, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "I think we should have four," he said, his voice teasing. "Tw
“Your wife, Rachel, has been seeing someone from the enemy's camp. Be careful, else you'd be a victim sooner than you expect.” The strange woman's voice echoed in Bruno's head. He focused on his target, his fingers steady as he released the arrow. It soared through the air, hitting the bullseye with precision. He smiled to himself, feeling a sense of satisfaction.Since his argument with Rachel, he went into his private lounge to play archery…and as expected, it has done a whole lot in improving his mood.Just as he was about to take another shot, his phone rang, breaking the silence. He hesitated for a moment before answering it."This is Bruno," he said, his voice deep and commanding. “Who is on the line?”"Bruno, it's Enzo. I need to see you at the lounge. It's urgent," the voice on the other end said, sounding excited. “At least in the next one hour, try to be here.”Bruno raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "What's going on?" he asked. “You sound quite excited.”"Just get here, Bruno
“Travis, talk to me, is everything okay?” Alison asked, panic obvious in her expression. “The news isn't telling the truth, right? It was just some rumors right?”Travis sighed and walked fully into the living room. “Alison It's.. it's just a whole lot.” Alison’s hand went up to Travis's face and she ran her fingers through it, locking her eyes with his.“Trav, I'm here for you, I always will be here.” She whispered. She could see the exhaustion and worry etched on his face, and deep down she hoped the news were just not true.His eyes, normally bright and confident, were sunken and red-rimmed. His shoulders slumped, and his usual sharp jawline was now gaunt and pale. Seeing that he really needed all the emotioal comfort he could get, she embracing him tightly. “You can count on me my darling. Just trust me, okay?”He sighed and hugged her back. “Thank you so much, babe.”“It is nothing, I mean it's why you have me, right?” She grinned and planted a soft lingering kiss on his lips.
“Wait up, Bruno you really did a good job.” Enzo grinned staring at the television with a smirk. “It has been ages since I have been thinking about bringing that rude brat to his knees, and that is exactly what is going on.” The Elite men were seated in their usual spot. The luxurious lounge was dimly lit, with soft jazz music playing in the background, creating a sophisticated ambiance. The walls were adorned with expensive artwork, and the floor was covered with plush carpeting, giving the space a sense of opulence. Marco, Enzo, and Bruno sat comfortably on a sleek, black leather couch, sipping their drinks and watching the news on the large screen TV.“Honestly, Enzo I can't be more glad that this is happening.” Marco replied and took a sip out of his drink. “And… the beautiful thing about everything that transpired is the fact that I tried to warn him, yet he would not listen.”“I have had all of these evidence for a long time now, I was simply waiting for the right time.” Brun
Alison's eyes slowly opened, and she found herself lying on the couch.The living room was bright, as Alison always remembered and the television was still on, the news precisely, and Travis's face still covered the screen.Guards stood at strategic positions, their faces stern and alert."Where...where am I?" Alison stammered, her mind foggy. “I remember standing here just now, so why?”The remaining words got stuck in her throat when she sighted Karen sitting beside her with a concerned expression. "You passed out, and the maids wanted to call an ambulance, but I stopped them," Karen explained gently. “When did you get in here?” Alison asked, feeling a slight headache. “The last time we spoke you were on your way here.”“And that was more than an hour ago. I met you unconscious when I walked in here.” She tried softly.Alison's memories came flooding back, and she sat up with a start. "The news...Travis...the scandal?" she asked, her voice trembling. “They were all a dream, right?
Alison woke up to an empty bedroom, the television still on, and Travis's stuff scattered around the room. “Travis,” she called and sat up in the bed. “Where did he go to this early?” She yawned and got out of bed, wondering why Travis had left for work without her. Her eyes darted to the clock and she was shocked at what time was. “It's 9 am already?” She gasped and rushed to the bathroom to freshen up.She got back to the room and there was still no sign of Travis, it seemed as though he had not even bee around.She finally decided to reached for her phone to call him. Since they began living together weeks ago, he has never gone to work without her, so why all of a sudden?“Is it probably because of what transpired last night?” She asked herself ad the moment she turned her screen on, but it was flooded with a lot of notifications.70 missed calls from Megan, Carlos, Karen, Drake, and other numbers. Alison's heart skipped a beat as she scrolled through the calls, but Travis's n
The night had descended, casting a dark and foreboding shadow over Alison's apartment. She lay in bed, her body shivering under the duvet, despite the warmth of the room. Travis, sensing her distress, reached out and gently petted her hair, trying to calm her down."Hey, it's okay, Alison. Try to relax. You need to get some rest," Travis whispered softly. “And get a grip of yourself.”“Travis, I can't,” She whispered. “It's just that everything is happening so fast? Like it has already been planned from the onset and is simply playing out.”“How do you mean?” Travis asked, adjusting beside her. “Is there something else you know, that I am not aware of?”“Not exactly. But can't you read between the lines and see what I'm trying to say?” She asked, getting slightly frustrated as her gaze grew distant. “Travis, those men that have been trailing me definitely want something and it is obvious they'd stop at nothing to get it.”“Okay?” Travis raised an eyebrow getting even more confused. “B
“Bruno darling, have you finally decided what you intend to do about Alison?” Mrs. Francisco asked, as she watched a television show with him. “I mean, if you wanted to do anything, then you should start doing it already.”“Mum, I'm planning something already,” he muttered, although he had his gaze fixed on the television, his mind was far away. “Just try as much as you can to stay away from it.”“Bruno, what about Theo? Are you still not going to let him feel your affection? The kid needs you.” She said, her eyes holding a glint of guilt.“Mum…” Bruno groaned. “Please allow me time to think, I already told you that I am not ready to unleash the version of me that the kid brings out.”“Clearly Bruno, you are neglecting the kid. Does that not bother you?” She asked again. “Look Bruno, I'm still a mother and I have the motherly affection in me. Letting Theo stay without your affection will definitely give Alison more grounds.”“Mum, I'm not in the right frame of mind for this conversati
“Calm down, Ally Wally, get a grip of yourself” Karen whispered, her gaze drifting to the road and back to Alison whose hands were trembling against her thighs where they rested. “I know that was quite traumatizing, but come on.” “Karen, I swear you can't understand,” Alison managed to utter. “To me, this goes way beyond being trailed, Karen, the last time I got trailed I was attacked! I was trailed down to my apartment and attacked without remorse.”With her gaze fixated out through the window, Alison's mind wandered back to the attack. “You know… I could have been killed if I hadn't learned Taekwondo back then,” she whispered, pressing her face against the tinted car glass. “Clearly, the men were caught off guard, I could see it written in their faces, Karen, it was all clear! What if I was not strong enough and I got raped? Or killed?”“Alison, calm down, stop overthinking this… yes, we got trailed and almost attacked, but we escaped, right? Is that not all that should matter?” K
Layla kept pacing around her room anxiously, her gaze darting between her wall clock and outside the window.“Where the hell is Spider?” She spat and pushed everything off her vanity table. “Show up!!”After waiting for hours with no sign of Spider, she opened her bedside drawer and took out a pack of Cigarette and a lighter.Then a sharp knock sounded on the door. “I don't want to see anyone, just get out!” She snapped and lit the cigarette, staring out through the window. “Get out!”“You wouldn't even ask who it is,” she heard a familiar voice from outside. “Anyway, it is Spider.”“Damn!! Come on in. Why did you not speak earlier.” She snapped. “So any progress?” She asked, her gaze still fixed out the window.“If I had spoken earlier, it would have been for you to be a bit nice knowing it was me.” Spider replied, walking fully into the room. “Why does everywhere look so messy and scattered, I don't want to believe you lost your mind again.”“Of course, you were not showing up, and
“So, what now?” Travis asked staring at Oscar as they walked towards the elevator which read, ‘out of bound’Only the managing board members were permitted to use it.“Boss, it was in the news last night.” Oscar replied, his voice measured. “I thought we'd talk about it first before I think about how to handle it.”“Of course, it was, and that's why I'm bothered. I hope you didn't make the payments? I mean I hope you did not buy any shares,” Travis asked.“Not yet sir, look the files are here already. I just needed you to append your signatures on them before going to pay for the shares.” He replied, pointing towards one of the files in his hand.“Why do I feel like this was all a plan, supposed to be a set up or something?” Travis asked, his gaze growing distant. “Just a few days ago, Gold&Sparkle Group was doing just fine, and today they've gone bankrupt and are about to shut down.”“In my opinion sir, I think this is exactly why they began selling out shares. Think about it… when l